Rural crime survey 'will shape priorities', says Durham police commissioner

6 hours ago

To prevent agricultural theft bespoke orange stickers are being distributed for use on plant and machinery

Durham and Darlington PCC Four people holding posters aimed at preventing rural crime. On the left is a woman with tied back fair hair and wearing a hacking jacket over a beige polo neck. Next to her are two men in police uniform, and on the right a woman in police uniform. Two of the posters read: Thieves beware DNA marked and police traceable; the others are smaller and have an image of a quad bike with a round symbol. — To prevent agricultural theft bespoke orange stickers are being distributed for use on plant and machinery

Results of a survey on rural crime in County Durham will be used to help direct resources and shape future action, a police chief has said.

Durham and Darlington's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Joy Allen, launched an initiative to gather feedback from residents, landowners, farmers and rural business owners.

The issues prioritised included fly-tipping, off-road bikes and agricultural and machinery theft as well as the need to strengthen reporting, improve police visibility and build confidence.

Allen said the findings highlighted both the challenges faced by rural communities and the strong appetite for continued investment and targeted action.

The PCC said more than £5,000 had been invested in 20 new security lights, 30 perimeter alarms, 15 covert trail cameras and 10 security cameras to deter crime and protect residents and businesses in Weardale and Consett.

The security cameras and trail cameras will be loaned out to farmers by the PCC's rural co-ordinators, while the remaining equipment will be available for Consett, Stanhope and Barnard Castle police stations to tighten security at properties vulnerable to rural crime.

Clear roadmap

In another new initiative bespoke orange stickers are being distributed to display on agricultural plant and machinery, and vehicles, which will encourage police to proactively stop and check the equipment if it is seen on the road or unattended in an unusual place.

It is modelled on similar projects in other parts of the country which have successfully driven down agricultural theft.

Allen said: "This survey provides the most detailed picture we have ever had of the concerns, experiences and priorities of our rural residents.

"Just as importantly, it gives us a clear roadmap for where we can focus our efforts to make the greatest difference.

"I will be working closely with Durham Constabulary, local authorities, farmers, businesses and residents to turn these findings into action."

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